Iran’s Foreign Minister stated this Tuesday (16) that negotiations with the United States on the nuclear program and the suspension of sanctions could begin this week, after the signing of the agreement to end the war in the Middle East.
The signing of the memorandum of understanding to end almost four months of regional conflict is scheduled for Friday (19), date when the Strait of Hormuz should be “completely” reopenedaccording to the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
The Iranian blockade of the strategic route during the war stopped fuel exports from the Gulfwhich accelerated inflation and caused supply problems for fertilizers and other products.
The agreement reached between Washington and Tehran also foresees the beginning, within 60 days, of new negotiations to address more delicate issues, such as the Iran’s nuclear program and international sanctions against the country.
“Probably on Friday, in a location yet to be determined, a new round of negotiations between Iran and the United States will begin to reach a final agreement,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
The signing ceremony, on Friday (19), in Switzerland, will be attended by the main Iranian negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and the Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, who said that Trump may also attend to the event.
American president and vice president guaranteed the reopening of Hormuzwhere, before the war, 20% of global oil and gas trade circulated.
After the attack by the United States and Israel, which triggered the war, Tehran closed the crucial route. In response, Washington imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
“Ships, some loaded with oil, are starting to leave the Strait of Hormuz”, celebrated Trump on Monday (15) on his Truth Social network.
“A very powerful document”
After episodes of violence and threatening statements that put at risk the truce that began in Aprilnegotiations, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, resulted in the agreement announced on Monday.
Called a memorandum of understanding, the text, which has not yet been released, does not resolve the main differences between the two countrieswhich have not maintained diplomatic relations for decades.
According to a US government source, Trump, Vance and Ghalibaf have already signed the text electronically.
“It’s a very powerful document and I want it published. Probably very soon,” Trump said when asked about the content of the agreement during the G7 summit in France.
At the same event, he also stated that his country will not invest in the reconstruction of Iran and that the main objective of the agreement is ensure that Tehran does not develop nuclear weapons. If Tehran does so, “all hell will be unleashed” on the country, he warned.
Trump explained to The New York Times that he is still negotiating whether the Iran will suspend uranium enrichment for 20 yearsalthough he hinted that he could be content with the 15-year period.
States The United States and Israel are pushing for Iran to get rid of its highly enriched uranium reservessupposedly buried after American attacks last year.
Tehran defends its right to enrich uranium and reiterates the peaceful purposes of its nuclear program.
Speaking to NBC, Vance stated that American and UN inspectors will be able to access Iran and will help the Islamic Republic “to destroy its highly enriched reserves” of uranium.
Lebanon
In Iran, the Army celebrated the agreement as a victory that “humiliated” the United States and Israel. President Masoud Pezeshkian described it as “a great achievement” for the region.
Analysts warn that the parallel conflict in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollaha militia party supported by Tehran, could cause complications to the agreement.
The country was Drawn into regional war when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel to avenge the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel responded with bombings and a ground invasion.
This front could be “the biggest obstacle” for the next negotiations, said Ross Harrison, a researcher at the Middle East Institute.
Israeli officials quickly condemned the deal, called by ultraconservative newspaper Vatan-e Emrooz the “Trump’s surrender document“.
The Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu assured that his forces would remain in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria “for as long as necessary”.
The Iranian foreign minister insisted this Tuesday (16) that ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, was “the most important question” of the agreement. “Ending the war in Lebanon is an inseparable part of the complete end of the war,” Araghchi said.
